Policy and Practice | October 2022

frommore than 3,000 residents tomake improvements for the future. Due to their connection with L&F, the Food Navigators are also able to provide emer gency food assistance and feeding boxes

were focused on increasing payment accuracy, improving QC case comple tion rates, and fostering subject matter expertise in every QC teammember. Deborah Doyle, Director of the Division of Program Integrity in Washington, shared, “Improving program per formance during COVID-19 is both a substantial accomplishment and inspiring. This team assessed the entire QC system and implemented innovative approaches based on successful col laboration with partners. They executed systemic changes to enhance root-cause error analysis, focused on feedback to improve communications, and designed training programs around staff needs.” NASTA North Star The NASTA North Star Award honors a state or local human services program administering Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in accordance with APHSA’s TANF Modernization Principles, as evidenced by exem plary service to the community that maintains the value of equity, inclu sion, and the limitless possibilities of human potential as a clear North Star.

This year’s recipient is the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) Economic Services Division (ESD) led by Director Erin Oalican. The ESD has been on a mission to move its TANF program in an antira cist direction for almost a decade. The agency started their transformation by defining a mission statement, which they have used to guide their work: “We join families on their journey to overcome obstacles, explore opportuni ties, improve their finances, and reach their goals.” This year, their efforts cul minated in a major legislative proposal to align their state policies with the practices they have been implementing over the last several years. Separate from this legislative effort, building on their commitment to help families create a stable foundation that makes work possible, the agency also created a special pathway for TANF recipients to receive housing assistance during the pandemic. The 2022 Economic Mobility and Well-Being Conference took place August 14–17 at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront in Savannah, GA.

for those in immediate need. NAPIPM Rising Star

The NAPIPM Rising Star Award recognizes a state Quality Control (QC) or Quality Assurance team that has created a promising practice in their state. Over the past two years, state agencies faced some of their biggest challenges, including Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) modified state and territory QC expectations and practices. However, the recipients of this award, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Quality Control Team , rec ognized this was a rare opportunity for making systemic changes to their QC system. The teamworked with partners, internal teammates, and leadership to emerge from the FNS modifications, which suspended tra ditional activities, with more effective and efficient processes. The initiatives

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